CANCELLED BY FARRAH PENN
From the moment I read the sleeve synopsis of Cancelled, I knew it would resonate with older teens. It reflects situations that show up in high schools all the time: how quickly things can spiral online and how unfair the fallout can feel.
Brynn is a high‑achieving private school senior with big college dreams and a side hustle helping classmates figure out texting and emotional relationships. After a Halloween party, a video of a cheating scandal goes viral. Because Brynn wore the same costume as the girl in the clip, she becomes the scapegoat almost overnight, even though she isn’t actually the person in the footage.
The viral video and its fallout feel very current. Brynn is judged quickly, while the boy involved faces little consequence. That contrast drives the story and raises questions about gender, reputation, and whose mistakes get remembered.
Cancelled also shows how isolating this kind of situation can be. Brynn starts off feeling completely alone, but she eventually finds others who are also tired of being labeled or dismissed. Together, they push back against school traditions and online cruelty. Brynn doesn’t always make the right choices, and part of the story is her learning to slow down and think about whether her actions match her goals.
Content notes: The novel includes themes of cyberbullying, addiction, teen sexual activity and teen pregnancy. While mature, the focus remains firmly on resilience, accountability, and finding your voice. This is a great recommendation for secondary students who want to see their digital reality reflected honestly on the page.